‘Musica Perpetua’ back for fifth instalment
The Western Band of S. Thomas’ Mount Lavinia is returning with their fifth concert ‘Musica Perpetua’ on February 15 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre from 7.30 p.m. onwards.
Farmaan Mohamed
Shevaan Dayaratne
Abirthan Rajendiran
Unlike other Western school bands, the Thomian band is more than just a marching band that stick with a few songs in their repertoire. Band members tell the Mirror Magazine that audiences can expect a wide variety of music at the concert. Band leader, Abirthan Rajendiran tells us that 2020 is quite special for the Western Band. “The Western band made its debut in 1970. This year we will celebrate 50 years so it is a very special concert for us. That is why we are organising it on such a grand scale,” he shares.
“I have been in the band for eight years now, I only took over the reins mid last year so it has been a really amazing experience. It has taught me a lot of things, like how to deal with people.”
Shevaan Dayaratne who is a singer as well as an alto saxophonist, looks nostalgic as he recalls how he first started playing the cymbals for the band in 2011.
Now nine years later, he tells us, “ This concert will be my last. It is the last time I will be performing as a schoolboy and I’m glad to be part of this historic moment as we celebrate 50 years.”
Avishka Wikramanayake is quite lax whilst preparing for the concert. “We decided to start early and get it all together and prepared. It has been very enjoyable because practices have always been fun no matter how long they are and there’s always a great sense of rapport between the players,” he confesses to us.
One of the younger band members, Shaveen Nanayakkara assured that although playing the saxophone is hard, that with practice playing the instrument is easy.
“We play various types of music from pop music, to jazz and disco. I like being part of the band because it’s fun,” he tells us.
Praveen Nanayakkara
Pramodh Fernando
Ashwin Ganesh
Avishka Wikramanayake
As the concert date looms closer, practise and preparation is constantly on everyone’s minds.
“Practice is fun because our band mates are like brothers to us and our teacher (Ms. Ratnayake) is our mother and the other sir who comes (Manilal sir)is like a father figure of the band,” smiles Ashwin Ganesh who plays the trumpet.
Pramodh Fernando, an alto saxophonist expressed his gratitude to have been able to be a part of this concert. “You won’t get an opportunity like this again in your lifetime and I am so thankful for everyone here for having me. It has been a great thing.”
Former band leader and flutist, Praveen Nanayakkara shares that he is quite proud to say that the band is 50 years old and doesn’t think any other band could boast of such a feat.
Adressing what audiences can expect, he tell us none of the other school bands play this kind of music so audiences have much to look forward to.”
Farmaan Mohamed who plays the flute elaborates saying “When people look at the instruments we play, they think about the classics, but we actually play jazz, pop, hip-hop as none of us are into classical music.” Farmaan laughs as he tells us that his excitement for the concert is off the charts as he has already told his mother that his studies will be given complete attention after the concert, but before that his focus is on putting on a good show.
Abirthan says that the concert would not have been possible without the efforts of their teachers in charge Dilumika Rathnayake and Manilal Weerakoon . Speaking to the teacher in charge Dilumika Ratnayake, conveyed her gratitude towards the warden Rev. Marc Billimoria and Sub Warden Asanka Perera as it was their interest and encouragement that led to the concert.
Tickets are priced at Rs. 2000, Rs. 1500, Rs. 1000 and Rs. 500 (balcony).
The tickets and the box plan are available at the Lionel Wendt theatre as well as all the band members.
Pix by Amila Gamage